Many examples of classical Christian architecture are located in Cyprus, along with tombs said to belong to Lazarus and Barnabas. Cyprus is a place where many New Testament biblical stories took place[citation needed] and several miracles are held to have been performed.[citation needed]
The presence of Armenians in Cyprus dates back to 578. Currently, Armenian-Cypriots maintain a notable presence of about 3,500 persons, mainly inhabiting the urban areas of Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol. Recently, some Armenian immigrants have settled Paphos.
The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus has had a continuous presence on the island since its establishment in 973 by Catholicos Khatchig I.
The Catholic Church in Cyprus is part of the worldwide Catholic Church under the spiritual leadership of the Pope in Rome. According to the 2011 census, Catholics made up 2.9% of the population.[10] A minority of Catholics in Cyprus are Maronites (adherents of one of the Eastern Rite Catholics). Of the 209,286 Cypriots counted in the 1891 census, 1,131 were Maronites.[citation needed]
Protestantism
According to the 2011 census, Protestants made up 2% of the population of the government-controlled area.[10]
Northern Cyprus is home to a Turkish Protestant minority; the Turkish-Speaking Protestant Association (TPSA) estimates the community's numbers to be 1,000. According to the TPSA, Protestants are under continual surveillance by North Cypriot police.[14]
Muslims make up about 1.8% of the population of the government-controlled area and around 25% of the population of the entire island. The island was conquered by the Ottoman General Lala Mustafa Pasha from the Venetians in 1570. From then until 1878, mainland Turks came to Cyprus as soldiers and administrators. Turkish Cypriots mainly adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam.
Sufism also plays an important role. Historically, Muslims were spread over the whole of Cyprus, but since the Turkish invasion in 1974 they have lived primarily in the north. Within the north there is also a small Ahmadi community.[15]
Several important Islamic shrines and landmarks exist on the island, including:
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Jewish presence in Cyprus dates back to the 3rd century BC, after settling on the island, they established trade relations with other religious groups.[19] In 2022, there were approximately 6,000 Jewish people on the island,[10] who were either permanent residents or citizens in Cyprus. There are active Synagogues in Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos and Ayia Napa with dedicated Rabbis to each. All religious matters are handled by the Chief Rabbinate of Cyprus, headed by Chief Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin.
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2015)
According to a 2011 estimate, in the Greek-Cypriot government-controlled area, 0.6% of the people consider themselves irreligious or atheist.[22] In 2018, the Cyprus Humanist Association accused Cyprus' Ministry of Education of discrimination against atheists by promoting anti-atheist educational material through its official website.[23] During the 37th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the International Humanist Union listed Cyprus in their list of states accused of promoting hatred against atheists and humanists.[24]
It's neither known how many percent of the population are atheists in the Turkish-Cypriot government-controlled area nor how they are treated in the northern part of the island.
Freedom of religion
In 2023, the country was scored 4 out of 4 for religious freedom by Freedom House, a U.S. government–affiliated body.[25]
^"Church of Cyprus". World Council of Churches. n.d. Retrieved 2024-08-09. The Patriarchate of Antioch wanted to place the church under its jurisdiction, but the Council of Ephesus in 431, and later the emperor, recognised the autocephaly of the Church of Cyprus.
^Melton, J. Gordon; Baumann, Martin (21 September 2010). Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices, 2nd Edition [6 volumes]. ABC-CLIO. p. 843. ISBN978-1-59884-204-3.
^"The Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf: a brief history". Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. n.d. Retrieved 2024-08-09. When the British first arrived in Cyprus in 1878, responsibility for the Anglicans lay with the Bishop of Gibraltar, the Right Reverend Charles Sandford, for whom an important priority was advancing "mutual understanding between our Church and the Orthodox Churches of the East" (H. Knight, The Diocese of Gibraltar).